Melbourne ran the Bulldogs close at the G while Geelong got bored after quarter time with the Roos.
First, the Geelong game. I say it was the Geelong game because North barely turned up. Admittedly they had half their first choice side out injured to begin with, and Geelong had a bit of a point to prove given the Roos’ effort at Kardinia Park late last season. Apart from Darren Milburn‘s injury, owners of Cat players were largely rewarded with the sort of ridiculous scoring we have come to expect, apart from Corey Enright who took until Q4 junk time to post a respectable score. Jimmy Bartel showed us why he’s an automatic choice for captain on overcast days at Geelong. Steve Johnson didn’t actually kick a goal but racked up a huge amount of inside 50s and goal assists.
On the Kangaroo side Hamish McIntosh accumulated another solid score, while Drew Petrie toiled hard… and that was about it. Ben Warren managed the regulation 50-odd that you hope for from a rookie.
The match at the MCG was much more interesting. Melbourne got the jump in swirly conditions and led at quarter time, with Robert Murphy already injured for the day and probably the next three weeks with a hamstring tear. Where last week it was Adam Cooney who lifted the team agaisnt Adelaide, this week it was a combination of players who stepped their game up: Jason Akermanis in the second quarter, Daniel Giansiracusa in the third quarter and Matthew Boyd in the last. Cooney himself was not nearly as influential with Bartram laying a reasonably effective tag on him, with the Coondog not able to get free nearly as much as the Crows allowed him to.
Much hype has surrounded Bryce Gibbs this year for fantasy but Cale Morton has been far more consistent, raising his average from mid-70s to 100+ in his second season. His role is insanely outside, but with no Paul Wheatley this year Morton has stepped into the breah very nicely. His kick to handball ratio in particular is excellent for fantasy purposes. One might point out that his game might not be all that great for Melbourne as a footy club so he may face accusations in future of the sort that Joel Bowden regularly cops, but there’s no denying he’s a fantasy gun.
Kyle Cheney owners, myself included, could only watch this game in despair and swear at the TV hoping that Dean Bailey could hear us. Why wasn’t he played when we really needed him? His disposal was much better today along with Jack Grimes, giving Bailey a dilemma next week if James Frawley and Jared Rivers are fit again. Those thinking of buying Grimes as he comes on the bubble this week would do well to take very close notice of both the official announcements and club boards this week to gauge exactly how the back six is going to be structured for the rest of the season at the Demons.
Don Gibson
May 16, 2009 at 5:39 pm
mmm, glad i held off cooney so far. still don’t think he’s ready to pick up. dont think ht made BE in SC
the dud
May 16, 2009 at 5:41 pm
another great post mitch
Watto
May 16, 2009 at 5:45 pm
If Bailey drops Cheney or Grimes then I think he deserves a spot alongside Dean Laidley
Watto
May 16, 2009 at 5:46 pm
LOL @ the dud
This is by Monty u idiot
Ant
May 16, 2009 at 6:50 pm
There is no way that Grimes is going to be dropped.
Stagger
May 16, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Glad I made Chapman captain this week
Ed
May 16, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Terrible analysis. Probably a good idea to stick to writing solely about Hawthorn.
Every time Morton had the ball, he looked to kick it long and central into the corridor. Yeah, just like Bowden…
Prospector
May 17, 2009 at 12:29 am
Only started “owning” Cheney yesterday. Very happy with him to replace Malceski!
simonoz
May 17, 2009 at 1:30 am
Nice one Ed.
We start getting regular blogs again and you rip it apart. Do us a favor and rack off will you.
Monty – a big thanks for the speedy write ups this w/end….much appreciated.
simonoz
May 17, 2009 at 1:37 am
Monty & any Melbourne supporters:
When Frawley & Rivers return – wouldnt you think that Grimes stays, but cheney may go back to the bubble bench/emergency situation again ?
WosrttDreamTeamerEVERintheHistoryofSTupidNamesthatAreWayTooLONG
May 17, 2009 at 2:26 am
No. Because Cheney plays key defender, whereas Grimes plays loose HB. Hence Cheney stays and Grimes -> Rivers.
Stagger
May 17, 2009 at 8:03 am
If you don’t like it Ed then piss off and start your own web site. But let us know the name and we can all comment on your brilliant analysis. Toss pot.
pascoe
May 17, 2009 at 12:41 pm
grimes won’t get dropped. he had a long awaited debut last year and he has played well in his 3 games so far. the dees will not drop him unless it’s tactical
andy
May 18, 2009 at 3:15 am
u mean the roos effort at kardinia park the season before last..they played the cats at etihad last year
Sammy H
May 18, 2009 at 9:07 am
Anyone who believes that Grimes will get dropped does not know football or Melbourne. They’re looking to Grimes as our next quarterback (not key def), and Bailey is insanely in love with him.
He has given two interviews on AFL after his last two games – the club nominated him for them… work it out.
Cheney is a worry, even after a solid game.
Adam Q
May 18, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Grimes will DEFINATELY play un til injured. I spoke to Paul Wheatley and Melbourne think he is an absolute gun and were hurt when he went down injured. This guy has a big future and his career is already on the way. Watch this kid!
Disco (UK)
May 18, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Grimes won’t get dropped. He’s a high draft pick and the Dees would want to get as many games into him as possible. Perhaps his role may change and DT scores drop as a result, but lets hope not.
Cale’s a contender for my 2010 team, if he doesn’t become an absolute premium in the meantime.
Jazzman
May 19, 2009 at 10:28 am
There’s a lot of talk about whether Grimes will be dropped or not – the consensus seems to be that he stays unless injured. I’d be interested to know more about the latter – is the lad somewhat injury-prone? Stress-fractures in the back seems a recipe for more hammy/back injuries. Thoughts?
John John
May 19, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Great wrap on the matches Monty.
Ed blows sheep.